Michael Schumacher health mystery deepens as close friend puts record straight

Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher has been zealously protected by his family since his heart-rending skiing accident. The Formula One legend, aged 55, has been absent from the public eye for over ten years following a severe incident that resulted in a catastrophic brain injury, altering his life forever.

His family, particularly his devoted wife Corinna Schumacher, have been extremely cautious about who gets to visit him. However, there seemed to be a slight easing in the protective circle with reports suggesting he was present at his daughter Gina-Maria's wedding to Iain Bethke earlier this year.

The 27 year old equestrian champion, who has emulated her father's sporting prowess, got married at their £27million Majorcan villa on September 28. German media reported that Schumacher attended the event, but with stringent conditions in place.

It was alleged that guests were required to leave their mobile phones at the door to prevent any photos of Michael being taken. Yet, these reports are now cast into doubt by one of the seven-time world champion's close friends.

Former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Johnny Herbert dismissed the claims as 'fake news'. Speaking to Flashscore, Herbert said: "It will always be a closed shop. The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter's wedding. Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it."

Neurosurgeon Jussi Posti has cast doubt on the claims about Michael Schumacher's condition, stating that given the sportsman's rumoured state, it would be highly unlikely for him to attend public events. "If a hospital has been built in his house, with everything medicalised around him, it seems that he has been in hospital most of the time," Posti said to Iltalehti.

"Based on the information available, I don't think he leads a very active life. Everything points to him being unwell. As bedridden patients, most people become so frail and stiff that it is no longer possible to get them out of bed after so many years."

The tragic skiing accident in 2013 in the French Alps left Schumacher with severe brain injuries despite his helmet absorbing most of the impact; following two crucial operations, he was placed in a medically induced coma for several months, reports the Mirror. Since then, his family has maintained privacy about his health, rarely releasing information to the public.

Shortly after the incident, it was confirmed that Michael Schumacher was fighting for his life in critical condition. It wasn't until April 2014 that another statement was released, with his family revealing that Michael had experienced 'moments of consciousness and awakening'.

The following summer brought news that he was out of the coma and had been transferred to a rehab facility. By September 2014, Schumacher returned to his Lake Geneva home, receiving round-the-clock care from his wife, Corinna, and a specialised medical team.

Committed to maintaining her husband's dignity, Corinna has allowed only a few close friends and family members to visit, under strict conditions.

While the specifics of Michael's health have been closely guarded, Philippe Streiff, a former racing driver and friend, provided a rare glimpse later in 2014. After suffering his own accident resulting in wheelchair dependency, Philippe commented on Schumacher's condition: "He is getting better but everything is relative. It's very difficult. He can't speak. Like me, he is in a wheelchair paralysed. He has memory problems and speech problems."

Former Ferrari chief Jean Todt has previously discussed Corinna Schumacher's remarkable resolve in looking after her husband following his devastating skiing accident. Speaking to Bild, he said: "I've spent a lot of time with Corinna since Michael had his serious skiing accident on December 29, 2013. She is a great woman and runs the family. She hadn't expected that. It happened suddenly and she had no choice. But she does it very well. I trust her, she trusts me. Thanks to the work of his doctors and the cooperation of Corinna, who wanted him to survive, he survived - but with consequences."

In September 2020, reports surfaced that Michael was spending increased time in Majorca, where his daughter Gina's wedding was held.

Further heart-wrenching details about his condition were revealed when Elisabetta Gregoraci, the former wife of ex-F1 team boss Flavio Briatore, told the Spanish media: "Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are."

Additionally, during an appearance on the Italian Big Brother, Elisabetta claimed: "They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house."

In the 2021 Netflix documentary SCHUMACHER, Corinna highlighted the significance of maintaining her husband's privacy, saying: "We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives. It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael."

Regrettably, this promise was jeopardised over the summer when a father and son blackmailed the family, threatening to release sensitive images of the F1 star following the crash in a vile attempt to extort millions from the Schumachers. Despite the heart-wrenching challenges they've faced, the family has remained strong, posting touching tributes to Michael and recalling happy times.

In January, Michael's children Mick and Gina shared childhood photos on social media to celebrate their dad's birthday. Mick penned: "Happy birthday to the best dad ever. Love you. Captioning her own nostalgic post, Gina said: " Gina captioned her own throwback post: "Happy Birthday Papa! Throwback to one of many of our adventures."

Sadly, despite this courageous show, it's reported that some family ties have become tense.

Last November, Michael's younger brother Ralf expressed his sorrow at losing touch with Corinna and Michael following the dreadful accident.

Speaking to German magazine Bunte, Ralf Schumacher opened up about his family bond, saying: "When I see his children Gina-Maria and Mick, my heart smiles. If someone in the family is looking for my advice, I'm there. They go their own way."

He added warmly, "I miss the Michael of the old days. Life is unfair from time to time. Michael was very lucky throughout his life. But then there was this tragic accident. Michael wasn't only my brother. When we were kids, he was also my coach and mentor. He taught me literally everything about kart racing."

Despite past differences, Ralf, 49, made a point to be present at his niece's nuptials. Having come out as gay since his 2015 split from ex-Playboy model Cora, rumours suggest there were once concerns over Cora being 'potentially indiscreet', yet Ralf and his partner Etienne were both welcomed guests, with the family seemingly having no reservations towards them.

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